"Missions Impossible: History's Most Daring Moments reveals stories of amazing acts of heroism, self-sacrifice, endurance, and sheer grit that in many instances remain unbelievable. Whether these are the product of the extreme pressures of warfare, acts of faith or compassion, or examples of utter tenacity and determination against all odds, the outcomes are incredible. No other book gathers together so many riveting and heroic tales of rescue and survival in a single volume. The stories range from Hannibal defying impossible conditions to cross the Alps, the sheer physical courage of Shackleton surviving the frozen elements of Antarctica to numerous stories of barely believable bravery in times of war. Missions Impossible recounts the meticulous planning behind numerous kidnaps, assassinations, clandestine raids and rescues from the siege of Troy to the capture of bin Laden. Missions Impossible provides revealing insights and explains the significance of each operation, although not all proved to be successful. Detailed timelines, maps, diagrams, archival photographs, and step-by-step accounts accompany these gripping stories."--Publisher's information.